JP2021530991A - Articles for forming aerosols - Google Patents

Abstract

Articles for forming aerosols (1). The article (1) can be inserted into the heating chamber of the device for generating the aerosol during use. The article (1) comprises an aerosol-forming substrate (2) and volume limiting means (3). The volume limiting means (3) is activated or can be activated by an apparatus for generating an aerosol in order to limit the volume of the article (1). [Selection diagram] FIG. 4

Description

The present invention generally relates to articles for forming aerosols and methods of using such articles.

Numerous devices for generating aerosols have been proposed in the art. For example, devices for generating aerosols have been proposed that heat the aerosol-forming substrate rather than burn it. A heated smoking device that heats cigarettes rather than burning them is one type of such device. One purpose of such smoking devices is to reduce the generation of unwanted and harmful smoke components of the type produced by tobacco burning and pyrolysis in conventional cigarettes. These heated smoking devices are commonly known as "heated but not burned" devices.

Heated smoking devices of the type described above generally provide a heated surface (eg, heating) into which an article 1'(shown in FIG. 1) for forming an aerosol is inserted prior to use. It has a heating chamber (defined by the surface). The article 1'for forming an aerosol typically contains an aerosol-forming substrate 2'heated by a heater of an aerosol-generating apparatus. When the aerosol-forming substrate 2'contained in the article 1'is exhausted, the article 1'can be replaced. Thereby, the heated smoking device structures a reusable device, while article 1'contains a "consumable" product. Article 1'for forming aerosols is usually shaped and sized to mimic conventional cigarettes. As a result, the heating chambers of the heated smoking device into which the article 1'and the article 1'are inserted or inserted are typically generally cylindrical (the shape of such article 1'is generally cylindrical. (Illustrated in FIG. 1). Typically, the article 1'has a diameter of 5-10 mm, for example about 7.2 mm.

Article 1'for forming the above-mentioned type of aerosol typically has a wrapper or carrier layer in which the aerosol-forming substrate 2'is retained. The filter material may be provided on one or both of the ends of the article 1', as a plug for holding the aerosol-forming substrate 2'in the article 1'and also generated by a heated smoking device during use. It also functions to filter the aerosol. Additionally, an aerosol cooling element (eg, which may be formed from an aggregate of sheets of polylactic acid) is provided within article 1'with a filter at one end of the aerosol-forming substrate 2'and article 1'. It may be located in between. A support element (eg, formed from a hollow acetate tube) may be additionally positioned between the aerosol forming substrate 2'and the aerosol cooling element.

At the time of use, the user inserts the article 1'between the heated surfaces of the heating chamber of the heated smoking device. The user then draws air through the free end of the article 1'(the above free end typically includes a filter material). The heater in the heat-not-burn smoking device is activated to transfer heat energy to the article 1'for forming the aerosol, thereby releasing the volatile compound from the aerosol forming substrate 2'. Air flows through at least part of the device and then along at least part of the length of article 1', through the aerosol-forming substrate 2', from which the released volatile compounds are combined with air. Be pulled out. The mixture of airflow and volatile compounds then passes through a cooling segment where the volatile compounds are cooled and condensed into an aerosol. The aerosol then passes through the filter material before being drawn into the user's lungs. The wrapper or carrier layer acts as a baffle during this process, directing the air flow so that the air flow passes through the article 1'and flows to the user along the article 1'.

After use, the article 1'for forming an aerosol is preferably removed from the heating chamber of the heated smoking device. However, as will be appreciated, the article 1'for forming an aerosol is typically modified by its heating. For example, article 1'may have a first volume and / or shape V ₁ (shown in FIG. 2) prior to heating in the heating chamber, and article 1'is its in the heating chamber. After heating, it may have a second volume and / or shape V ₂ (eg, illustrated in FIG. 3); in particular, article 1'has a first diameter d _{1 before being heated in the heating chamber. Also may have a second} larger diameter d 2 after heating in the heating chamber (and / or during heating). The application of heat to the article 1'is the article. 1'may expand from a first volume V ₁ to a relatively increased second volume V _2. Additional or alternative, does heating of article 1'cause a chemical reaction? , Or may result in a chemical reaction. Therefore, the article 1 "may be in a state of at least partially interfering with one or more inner surfaces of the heating chamber. For example, after heating in it, article 1 "is applied to one or more inner surfaces of the heating chamber at the time of initial insertion and prior to heating of article 1'to form an aerosol. It may be pushed with a force relatively greater than the force. If a chemical change is triggered within the article 1 ", the article may adhere at least partially to the inner surface of the heating chamber.

These changes to the article for forming the aerosol caused by heating generally result in increased difficulty in removing such article 1 "from the heating chamber after use. In extreme cases, heating of the device. Removal of Article 1'from the chamber may prove to be non-removable or overly difficult, in which case the heated smoking device may be discarded, creating the need for a replacement device (there is a need for a replacement device). Concomitant material costs and adverse environmental impacts). In less extreme cases, article 1 "may still be removed from the heating chamber of the device, but this removal may prove to be a time consuming and / or awkward process. There is, therefore, the enjoyment of the user of the device may be relatively diminished. Moreover, one or more parts of the article 1 "are within the heating chamber of the device, even after substantial removal from it. This may reduce the efficiency of the heat exchange article 1'for forming the aerosol inserted into the heating chamber.

It would be desirable to provide an article for forming an aerosol that is improved over the prior art article for forming an aerosol. It would be desirable to provide articles for forming aerosols that alleviate one or more of the problems identified above. After heating in it, it will be desirable to provide an article for forming the aerosol that can be more easily and / or more quickly removed from the heating chamber of the apparatus for generating the aerosol. It would also be desirable to provide an improved use of the article for forming an aerosol having one or more of the advantages identified above.

As a result, aspects of the invention provide an article for forming an aerosol, the article being insertable into the heating chamber of an apparatus for generating an aerosol during use, the article being an aerosol forming substrate. And equipped with volume limiting means, the volume limiting means can be activated or activated by an apparatus for generating an aerosol to limit the volume of the article.

Advantageously, the volume limiting means of the article for forming the aerosol according to the invention improves the removability of such article from the heating chamber of the apparatus for generating the aerosol, after use therein. do. By limiting the expansion of these articles, the force required to remove the article from the heating chamber during and after use in it is relatively reduced, and thus removal from it is relatively small. It's easier. Additionally, by limiting the expansion of the article, the article according to the invention is beneficially less likely to adhere at least partially to the inner wall of the heating chamber during use. Therefore, the article according to the invention is easier for the user to use than the article for forming an aerosol of the prior art. Moreover, the efficiency of the heated article according to the invention is relatively increased due to the reduced likelihood of the article breaking while being removed from the heating chamber. Therefore, heating a new replacement article subsequently inserted in the heating chamber would otherwise cause the damaged portion of the used article to remain in the heating chamber between the use of the device and the next use. Less likely to be affected by.

As used herein, the phrase "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol upon heating. Aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming substrates described herein may or may not be visible to the human eye. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid substrate, a fluid substrate, or a mixture of a solid substrate and a fluid substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate is fluid, the aerosol-forming substrate is advantageously retained in the matrix and / or by a cover layer, at least before the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the heating chamber.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a suspension of relatively small particles in a fluid medium.

As used herein, the phrase "volume limiting means" describes means by which the volume of an article is limited by this means (in the absence of a volume limiting means) to its potential volume. Used for. For example, the volume of the article may be expandable or expandable (eg, with its heating), and the volume limiting means may be arranged and / or configured to limit such expansion.

As used herein, the phrase "activated or activatingable" means that the volume limiting means are changed or mutable from the first state to the second state. Used for, for example, in the second state, the volume limiting means include an enhanced ability to limit the volume of the article.

In some embodiments, the volume limiting means may be activated, for example, by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation generated by a device for generating aerosols and / or by a device for generating aerosols. It may be well or activating. Electromagnetic radiation may include infrared radiation, eg heating. In embodiments, the volume limiting means may or may be activated, for example, by applying electrical energy to them from a device for generating aerosols. In embodiments, the volume limiting means may or may be activated by contact with one or more substances from a device for generating an aerosol, eg, volume limiting means. , Or by causing a chemical reaction of the volume limiting means, thereby being configured or selected to limit the volume of the article.

If the volume limiting means is activated or can be activated by irradiation with heating, the activation is at a threshold temperature and / or a threshold amount of thermal energy is delivered to the article and / or the volume limiting means. May occur when, or received by the article and / or volume limiting means. The threshold temperature may correspond to or be equal to the normal heating temperature of the article. Alternatively, the threshold temperature is, for example, the normal heating temperature of the article (eg, to generate an aerosol-forming substrate (eg, during normal heating in the heating chamber of the device for generating the aerosol)). It may correspond to a volume limiting temperature, which may be higher than the temperature at which the article is heated). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be selected or configured to release the volatile compounds at the first temperature (eg, to initiate the release of the volatile compounds). The volume limiting means may be selected or configured to be activated or activating at a second temperature. The first temperature may be the same as the second temperature. Alternatively, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. The first temperature may be less than 400 degrees Celsius, for example less than 300 degrees Celsius, for example less than 270 degrees Celsius. In embodiments, the first temperature is 250 degrees Celsius, 225 degrees Celsius, 200 degrees Celsius, 175 degrees Celsius, or less than 150 degrees Celsius, such as 140 degrees Celsius, 130 degrees Celsius, 120 degrees Celsius, 110 degrees Celsius, 100 degrees Celsius, or less than 90 degrees Celsius. There may be.

The article may have, for example, a first volume prior to activation of the volume limiting means, and activation of the volume limiting means may limit the article to a second volume. In embodiments, the second volume may be larger than the first volume, eg, activation of the volume limiting means may limit or prevent the article from expanding beyond the second volume. good. The second volume may be substantially equal to the first volume. Alternatively, the second volume may be less than the first volume. The volume limiting means may include a volume limiting means. In some embodiments, the volume limiting means may include at least a peripheral portion of the article. In embodiments, the volume limiting means may be at least partially enclosed by an aerosol-forming substrate. In embodiments, the volume limiting means may include at least one recess or opening within the article (eg, within the aerosol-forming substrate). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may include volume limiting means. The volume limiting means may include a heat activating compound or an activating compound. The volume limiting means may be activated, for example, to return or move from the first shape or volume to the second shape or volume, or towards the second shape or volume. It may include one or more shape memory elements that may be activated.

The volume limiting means may include, for example, a thermosetting plastic that limits the volume of the article but does not reduce it. Volume limiting means may include thermoplastics such as polyolefins, ethylene propylene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polychloroprene, silicon, elastomers, and the like.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate is, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, twisted yarns, strips, or sheets (eg, herb leaves, tobacco leaves). , Containing one or more of tobacco stalks, aerosols, and homogenized tobacco).

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a fluid, eg, a liquid or gas, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a volatile flavor compound of tobacco or non-tobacco that is released when the fluid aerosol-forming substrate is heated.

Optionally, the solid or fluid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a carrier material (eg, a thermally stable carrier material). The carrier material may take the form of a foam, eg, open cell foam or closed cell foam. The solid or fluid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited throughout the carrier material, eg, throughout its volume. Additionally or otherwise, the solid or fluid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier material, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid or fluid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier material, or otherwise may be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use. The carrier material may include volume limiting means.

In some embodiments, the article (eg, aerosol-forming substrate) may comprise a matrix material, eg, foam. The foam may be open cells or closed cells. The foam may be a reticulated open cell foam. The foam may be formed at least partially from tobacco, eg, from reconstituted tobacco (eg, stems, etc.). The article (eg, aerosol-forming substrate) may be at least partially formed from an elastic material. The elastic material may include a matrix material, for example, a foam. The volume limiting means may include a matrix material, for example, a foam. The volume limiting means may include an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the article may include one or more metal elements (eg, susceptors). One, some, or each of one or more metal elements may be located in and / or on an article (eg, an aerosol-forming substrate). One, some, or each of the one or more metal elements may be located in and / or above the first and / or second regions of the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more metal elements described above may extend at least partially along the length of the article (if the article has a length). The one or more metal elements described above may extend at least partially across the width of the article (if the article has width). One or more of the above metal elements may extend through the thickness of the article (if the article has a thickness). The one or more metal elements described above may have any suitable shape, such as loops, coils, strips, spheres, plying, particles, irregular shapes, and the like. The one or more metal elements described above may comprise a metal shell or cover layer of any suitable shape (eg, as described above) that surrounds the non-metal material and / or may be hollow. ..

In some embodiments, the article may include a cover layer and / or a wrapper. The cover layer and / or wrapper may extend around the outer surface of the article and may, for example, surround the perimeter of the aerosol-forming substrate. The cover layer and / or wrapper may be formed from a polymer such as food grade plastic and / or paper such as filter paper. Additionally or otherwise, the cover layer and / or wrapper may contain any other suitable material, such as, for example, abaca fibers and the like. The cover layer may contain cellulose. The cover layer and / or wrapper may include, for example, tobacco such as reconstituted tobacco and / or may be formed at least partially from tobacco. The cover layer and / or wrapper may be provided with a plurality of openings through its thickness, for example, the plurality of openings may be uniformly arranged or randomly arranged. .. The cover layer and / or wrapper may be net, or mesh, or woven. Alternatively, the cover layer and / or wrapper may include, for example, a solid surface having multiple openings-free regions (eg, major regions) through its thickness. In embodiments, the volume limiting means may include one of the articles or a cover layer thereof and / or a wrapper (eg, one of the articles or at least a portion of the cover layer and / or the wrapper thereof).

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains an aerosol-forming body.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming body" is arbitrary that promotes aerosol formation during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Used to describe suitable known compounds or mixtures of compounds. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies are known in the art and are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate). ), And aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids (such as, but not limited to, dimethyl dodecanedate and dimethyl tetradecanedate).

Preferred aerosol-forming bodies are polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and most preferably glycerin or mixtures thereof.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a single aerosol-forming body. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an aerosol-forming body content of more than 5% on a dry mass basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming body content of approximately 5% to approximately 30% on a dry mass basis.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming body content of approximately 20% on a dry mass basis.

Articles for forming aerosols may contain volatile flavor-producing components. Aerosol-forming substrates (eg, and / or carrier materials, if provided) may contain volatile flavor-producing components. The volatile flavor-producing component is at least partially within the surface and / or carrier material of the aerosol-forming substrate (if provided) and / or the cover layer (if provided) and / or its peripheral molded surface. It may be retained and / or impregnated into it and / or may be located on it.

As used herein, the term "volatile flavor-producing component" is optional added to an aerosol-forming substrate (eg, and / or carrier material, if provided) to provide a flavoring agent. Used to describe the volatile components of.

Suitable flavoring agents include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, ryuzetsuran, juniper. , But not limited to, materials containing, but not limited to, annetol, linalol, and the like.

As used herein, the term "menthol" is used to describe compound 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol in any of its isomer forms.

Menthol may be used in solid or liquid form. In solid form, menthol may be provided as particles or granules. The term "solid menthol particles" can be used to describe any granular or particulate solid material containing at least approximately 80% by weight menthol.

It is preferable that 1.5 mg or more of the volatile flavor-producing component is contained in the aerosol-forming substrate.

The volatile flavor-producing component (if provided) may be in liquid or solid form. The volatile flavor-producing component may be linked to a supporting element or may be associated in another way. The support element may include any suitable substrate or support for locating, retaining, or retaining the volatile flavor-producing component. For example, the supporting element may be a fibrous support element, which may be saturated or saturable with a fluid, eg, a liquid.

In embodiments, the volatile flavor-producing component may have any suitable structure in which the structural material encapsulates the flavoring agent (s) in a releaseable manner. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the volatile flavor-producing component comprises a matrix structure defining multiple domains and the flavoring agent, for example, the domain until released when the aerosol-forming substrate is exposed to external force. Captured inside. Alternatively, the volatile flavor-producing component may comprise a capsule. The capsule preferably comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing the flavoring agent. The outer shell is sealed before the external force is applied, but is preferably brittle or fragile so that the flavoring agent can be released when the external force is applied. Capsules include, but are not limited to, single-part capsules, multi-part capsules, single-walled capsules, multi-walled capsules, large capsules, and small capsules, but are formed in a variety of physical configurations. May be good.

If the volatile flavor-producing component contains a matrix structure that defines multiple domains that enclose the flavoring agent, the flavoring agent delivery member may steadily release the flavoring agent when the aerosol-forming substrate is exposed to an external force. good. Alternatively, the volatile flavor-producing component may be destroyed or ruptured when the article for forming the aerosol is exposed to external force, in a capsule arranged to release the flavoring agent. In some cases (eg, if the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core), the capsule may have any desired burst strength. Bursting strength is the force with which the capsule bursts (applied to the capsule from the outside of the aerosol-forming substrate). The burst strength may be the peak of the force vs. compression curve of the capsule.

The volatile flavor-producing component may be configured to release the flavoring agent in response to an activation mechanism. Such an activation mechanism may include the application of force to the volatile flavor-producing component, temperature changes of the volatile flavor-producing component, a chemical reaction, or any combination thereof.

The pull-out resistance (RTD) of the article for forming the aerosol (when inserted into the heating chamber of the device for generating the aerosol) may be from about 80 mm WG to about 140 mm WG. As used herein, withdrawal resistance is expressed in units of pressure "mmWG" or "water level gauge mm" and is measured according to ISO 6565: 2002.

In some embodiments, the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have a diameter and length (eg, longitudinal dimensions) (eg, in cross section).

Articles and / or aerosol-forming substrates for forming aerosols may have a diameter of at least 5 mm, eg, about 5 mm to about 12 mm, for example about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or about 6 mm to about 8 mm. You may. In one embodiment, the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate for forming the aerosol may have an outer diameter of 7.2 mm +/- 10%.

The article and / or aerosol-forming substrate for forming the aerosol may have a length of about 30 mm to about 100 mm, for example about 45 mm. In embodiments, the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate for forming the aerosol may have a length of approximately 70 mm to 120 mm.

As used herein, the term "diameter" is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an article for forming an aerosol. As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the longest dimension of an article for forming an aerosol. As used herein, the term "major axis direction" is used to describe the direction between the ends of an article for forming an aerosol (eg, between the upstream and downstream ends). And the term "transverse direction" is used to describe a direction that is perpendicular to the major axis direction. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are relative to an element or part of an article for forming an aerosol with respect to the direction in which the user draws fluid through the article during its use. Used to describe the location of an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially flat first main surface. The article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially flat second main surface. The first main surface and the second main surface may be substantially parallel to each other. The article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may have, for example, a width, length, and thickness measured in a direction in which the width, length, and thickness are perpendicular to each other. The thickness, if provided, may include the distance between the first main surface and the second main surface. The width and / or length of the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate may be at least 2: 1, for example at least 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9 :. It may have a ratio to a thickness of 1 or 10: 1. The width and / or length of the article and / or aerosol-forming substrate is approximately 2 mm to 120 mm, eg, approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-11, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc. At 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120 mm. There may be. Articles and / or aerosol-forming substrates have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to 15 mm, such as approximately 0.5 or 1.0 mm to 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4 It may be 0.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 10.0 or 11.0 or 12.0 mm.

The volume limiting means may include a volume limiter. The volume limiting means may or may be activated to limit the length, width, thickness, and / or diameter (if provided) of the article.

According to aspects of the invention, a method of using an article for forming an aerosol is provided, the method of providing the article comprising an aerosol forming substrate and volume limiting means, and heating an apparatus for generating the aerosol. It involves inserting the article into the chamber and activating the volume limiting means using a device for generating an aerosol, thereby limiting the volume of the article.

Activating the volume limiting means may include irradiating the volume limiting means with electromagnetic radiation to activate the volume limiting means, thereby limiting the volume of the article. Irradiating the volume limiting means by electromagnetic radiation may include irradiating the volume limiting means by infrared radiation, for example by heating. In addition or otherwise, irradiating the volume limiting means with electromagnetic radiation may include irradiating the volume limiting means with a magnetic field. Activating the volume limiting means may include applying electrical energy (eg, electrical energy from a device for generating an aerosol) to the volume limiting means. Activating the volume limiting means may include contacting the volume limiting means with one or more substances (eg, from a device for generating an aerosol).

Activating the volume limiting means activates the volume limiting means and substantially the starting volume of the article (eg, the volume of the article before insertion into the heating chamber of the device and / or the volume of the article before its irradiation). Or have the volume limiting means substantially maintain the starting volume of the article. Irradiating the volume limiting means activates the volume limiting means to reduce or reduce the volume of the article, or causes the volume limiting means to reduce or reduce the volume of the article (eg, into the heating chamber of the device). Decrease from the volume of the article before insertion and / or reduce the volume of the article from the volume of the article before its irradiation).

All scientific and industrial technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to facilitate the understanding of certain terms frequently used herein.

Throughout the description and claims herein, the terms "comprising" and "including", as well as their variations, mean "including, but not limited to," these are other parts, additions. It means that you do not intend (and do not exclude) to exclude objects, components, integers, or processes. Throughout the description and claims herein, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, except where the context requires otherwise. In particular, where indefinite articles are used, the specification should be understood as contingent not only in the singular but also in the plural, unless the context requires that it be not.

To avoid doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. Within the scope of this application, the preceding paragraphs, claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular the various embodiments, embodiments, examples and alternatives presented in their individual features, are independent. Alternatively, it is explicitly assumed that any combination may be taken. The features described in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the invention are applicable to all aspects or embodiments as long as these features are not incompatible.

Here, for illustration purposes only, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article for forming an aerosol of the prior art, before heating the article. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the article shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 1 after heating the article. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an article for forming an aerosol according to an embodiment of the present invention before use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the article shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 4 after use of the article in the apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an article for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention before use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 8 after use of the article in the apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an article for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention after use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an article for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention, before use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 10 after use of the article in the apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an article for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention, before use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 12 after use of the article in the apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an article for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention before use of the article in an apparatus for generating an aerosol. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in FIG. 14 after use of the article in the apparatus for generating an aerosol.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, Article 1 for forming an aerosol according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Article 1 includes, in this embodiment, an aerosol-forming substrate 2 and a foam carrier material comprising volume limiting means 3. The aerosol-forming substrate 2 contains, in this embodiment, a powder deposited throughout the foam carrier material of the volume limiting means 3. The aerosol-forming substrate 2 comprises, in this embodiment, a reconstituted tobacco.

During use, the article 1 is inserted into a heating chamber (not shown) of a device (not shown) for generating an aerosol. Article 1 now has a first volume V ₁ as shown in FIG. In particular, article 1 has a first width w ₁ and a thickness t ₁ . The article 1 is then heated to a temperature T1 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate 2. The heating of the article 1 irradiates the volume limiting means 3 with infrared radiation, thereby activating the volume limiting means 3 at the temperature T1. As shown in FIG. 6, activation of the volume limiting means 3 causes the volume limiting means to reduce the volume of the article 1 _{from the first} volume V 1 to the second volume V _2. In the second volume V ₂ , the article 1 has a second width w ₁ (less than the first width w ₁ ) and a second thickness t ₂ (less than the first thickness t _1). Have.

Thus, advantageously, the article 1 can be more easily removed from the heating chamber of the apparatus for generating the aerosol after heating in it.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an article 11 for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown, similar to that described for article 1 shown in FIG. The feature of is represented by a similar reference number with "1" added to the first digit and is not further described herein. Article 11 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 in that it comprises a cover layer 4 that includes a volume limiting means 13. The aerosol-forming substrate 12 contains, in this embodiment, a reticulated open-cell foam of tobacco. The periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is surrounded by the cover layer 4.

During use, the article 11 is inserted into a heating chamber (not shown) of a device (not shown) for generating aerosols. Article 11 now has a first volume V ₁ as shown in FIG. The article 11 is then heated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate 12. The heating of the article 11 irradiates the volume limiting means 13 in the cover layer 4 with infrared radiation, thereby activating the volume limiting means 13. Activation of the volume limiting means 13 causes the volume limiting means 13 to limit the expansion of the volume of the article 11 _{from the first} volume V 1 to the second volume V _{2 (shown in FIG. 8).} As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8, the article for forming an aerosol without the volume limiting means 13 (all other features are the same) will expand to a _{third volume V3.} As a result, the volume limiting means 13 limits the expansion of the article 11 with the heating.

Here, with reference to FIG. 9, an article 111 for forming an aerosol according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the article 11 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is described. Similar features are represented by similar reference numbers with "1" added to the first digit and are not further described herein. Article 111 shown in FIG. 9 is in a condition or condition after use (eg, after irradiation with infrared radiation). The article 111 shown in FIG. 9 is configured such that the volume limiting means 113 reduces the volume of the article 111 from its starting volume (or from the volume of the article 111 before activation of the volume limiting means 113) with activation. It differs from that shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in that it is.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an article 21 for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown here, similar to that described for article 1 shown in FIG. The feature of is represented by a similar reference number with "2" added to the first digit and is not further described herein. Article 21 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 in that the carrier material comprises an internal recess 5 with volume limiting means 23. Irradiation of the article by infrared radiation causes the carrier material and / or the aerosol-forming substrate 22 to expand. However, at least a portion of the expansion of the carrier material and / or the aerosol-forming substrate 22 expands into the internal recess 5. As a result, the internal depression 5 acts to reduce the amount relatively, thereby increasing the volume of the article 21 when irradiated with infrared radiation.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an article 31 for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown, similar to that described for article 1 shown in FIG. The feature of is represented by a similar reference number with "3" added to the first digit and is not further described herein. Article 31 is a volume in which the article comprises a first portion 31a and a second portion 31b, the first portion 31a comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 32 and a carrier material, and the second portion 31b comprising a volume limiting means 33. It differs from that shown in FIG. 4 in that it includes a limiting factor 6. In this embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate 32 is not present in the second portion 31b. However, in embodiments, the second portion may include an aerosol-forming substrate 32. The volume limiting element 6 is activated by irradiation with infrared radiation to reduce or maintain its volume, thereby limiting the overall expansion of the second portion 31b, and thus the article 31, with its heating. Or it can be activated.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, article 41 for forming an aerosol according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown here, similar to that described for article 1 shown in FIG. The feature of is represented by a similar reference number with "4" added to the first digit and is not further described herein. Article 41 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 in that the volume limiting means 43 comprises an element 7 around which the aerosol-forming substrate 42 and the carrier material are disposed. Element 7 is configured to reduce volume when exposed to infrared radiation during use. In some embodiments, the element 7 may include a susceptor or a metal element. The susceptor or metal element may be operable to heat up when exposed to a magnetic field during use. Heating the susceptor or metal element may result in a reduction in the volume of the element 7 (eg, the susceptor or metal element). For example, the susceptor or metal element may include shape memory material. Thereby, the volume of the article 41 is limited by such activation of the volume limiting means 43. The element is shown to be surrounded by an aerosol-forming substrate 42 and carrier material, but it does not have to be, and in embodiments, the element 7 is on the sides and / or edges of the article, or It may be located adjacent to the sides and / or edges of the article.

Each of Articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111 is described to include a single type of volume limiting means 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 113, but it must be. There is no need, and instead, any of Articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111, additionally or otherwise, the other volume limiting means 3, 13, 23, 33, It may be provided with any of 43 and 113 (where appropriate).

Articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111 are described to include aerosol-forming hypokeimenon 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 112 containing tobacco, but it does not have to be. In addition or otherwise, the aerosol-forming substrates 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 112 may contain any suitable material. Additionally or otherwise, the aerosol-forming substrates 2, 22, 32, 42 of Articles 1, 21, 31, 41 are described to contain powder, but it does not have to be. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrates 2, 22, 32, 42 may comprise any suitable form, fluid and / or solid (as described herein). Additionally or otherwise, articles 11, 111 are described as comprising aerosol-forming substrates 12, 112 containing reticulated open-cell foam, but do not have to, and instead. In addition, aerosol-forming substrates 12, 112 may contain different types of foam and / or may contain any other suitable form, fluid and / or solid as described herein. Additionally or otherwise, the aerosol-forming substrates 12, 112 of Articles 11, 111 may be at least partially contained within the carrier material (eg, as described herein), or It may be retained. Articles 1, 21, 31, and 41 are described as including the carrier material in which the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is deposited throughout, but it does not have to be, and instead, the aerosol-forming substrate. 2, 22, 32, 42 may be located at any suitable location (eg, on the surface thereof, as described herein) of the carrier material. Additionally or otherwise, the carrier material of Articles 1, 21, 31, 41 may comprise any suitable structure (as described herein).

Volume limiting means 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 113 of articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111 are activated during heating of aerosol forming substrates 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 112. It is described that the volatile compounds are released at temperature T1, but it does not have to be, and instead, the volume limiting means 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 113 are aerosol-forming substrates. It may be activated at a temperature higher than that required to release the volatile compounds from 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 112. For example, the volume limiting means 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 113 may be higher than the temperature T1 required to release the volatile compounds from the aerosol forming substrates 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 112. It may be heated to the temperature T2. The temperature T2 may be applied to the articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111 before or after the application of the temperature T1 to the articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111. The temperature T2 may include an "excess temperature" that may be configured to occur after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined number of cycles of the device for generating the aerosol. When a given period of time is used, this is, for example, the time interval after inserting articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111 into the heating chamber of the device for generating aerosols, and. / Or may include a time interval after initiating the first or any subsequent heating of articles 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 111.

The schematic diagram is not necessarily proportional to the actual size and is presented for the purpose of illustration, and is not limited thereto. The drawings describe one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, of course, other aspects not depicted in the drawings also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (16)

An article for forming an aerosol, which, in use, can be inserted into the heating chamber of an apparatus for generating an aerosol, comprising an aerosol forming substrate and a volume limiting means, wherein the volume limiting means is: An article that is activated or can be activated by a device for generating an aerosol to limit the volume of the article. The article according to claim 1, wherein the volume limiting means is activated or can be activated by irradiation using electromagnetic radiation from an apparatus for generating the aerosol. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume limiting means is activated or can be activated by applying electrical energy from the device for generating the aerosol to them. Claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the article has a first volume prior to activation of the volume limiting means and activation of the volume limiting means limits the article to a second volume. Articles listed in. The article according to claim 4, wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume, and activation of the volume limiting means prevents the article from expanding beyond the second volume. The article according to claim 4, wherein the second volume is substantially equal to the first volume. The article according to claim 4, wherein the second volume is smaller than the first volume. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the article is formed from an elastic material at least partially. The article according to claim 8, wherein the elastic material is a matrix material. The article according to claim 9, wherein the matrix material is a foam. The article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the volume limiting means includes the elastic material. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the volume limiting means includes at least a peripheral portion of the article. 12. The article according to claim 12, wherein the volume limiting means includes a cover layer of the article. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the volume limiting means includes at least one depression in the article. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises the volume limiting means. A method of using an article for forming an aerosol, wherein the method provides an article comprising an aerosol forming substrate and volume limiting means, and into the heating chamber of the apparatus for generating the aerosol. A method comprising inserting an article and activating the volume limiting means using a device for generating the aerosol, thereby limiting the volume of the article.

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